The music legend came back to Detroit on Saturday night to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Legacy in Motion gala event that honors the city's movers and shakers.

And no one moved and shook Detroit like Gordy, whose Motown record label put Detroit on the map and revolutionized the music industry with the sound of musical giants including Michael Jackson and Diana Ross and the Supremes.

"Motown could not have happened anywhere but here in Detroit. There's talent everywhere, but Detroit is special," Gordy said. "No matter where they go, Detroiters stand out."

Fittingly, Gordy received the award from event co-sponsor, the Michigan Chronicle, his first employer. When he took the stage, the crowd jumped to its feet and applauded while "Hello Detroit" blared in the background.

"I've been blessed all my life," he said, stressing his family was his biggest gift, and the "grit, glitz ... and love of Detroit" prepared him for success.

“Motown could not have happened anywhere but here in Detroit. There's talent everywhere, but Detroit is special.”

Berry Gordy, Motown founder

"I knew my mission in life was to be a success ... I worked so hard to be important. And for girls to like me," he said.

Laughter broke out.

Gordy also raised a sore spot. The bankruptcy and the pensioners.

"I know things are really tough right now ... but vision is about seeing things ... as they should be, as they could be," he said. "Why can't Detroit bounce back and be the championship city it always was and was meant to be? It can. It will. I love you Detroit."

Joining Gordy at the gala event was Detroit Mayor-elect Mike Duggan, who received the 2013 Newsmaker of the Year award.

Duggan said he was stunned — and proud. And then he brought up the bankruptcy.

"I don't feel the least bit pessimistic," said Duggan, who drew applause when he said, "We gotta fight in this bankruptcy process to protect the retirees."

Many who attended the event, believe the city will come back.

Jacqueline Thomas of Southfield, Mich., was among 20 parishioners who came to support Bishop P.A. Brooks, the first assistant president bishop at Church of God in Christ. The faithful group said they were proud of Brooks, and Detroit. And bankrupt or not, they said, they have faith the city will resurrect itself.

"We believe God is able to do everything," Thomas said. "So to us, we're not bankrupt."